For me, one of the best parts of special events comes from sharing it with others. The thrill of experiencing events through their eyes gives me insight to what makes their hearts sing. Plus, shared memories stay with people longer than things, so it’s important to me to build history with those around me.

These days, life happens so fast it’s hard to hold a meaningful conversation with people, but experiences like Cavalia Odysseo allow one to pause while igniting every sense so you connect with the show and those around you on a significantly deeper level.

Visually, this show is magnificently elegant, strong and intimate! While the feats of horses’ speed matched with humans’ strength astound you, this relies on an unseen trust between them. The horses represent the most elegant breeds with flowing locks and sharply defined features. The costumes mirror this emanating a regal, ethereal feel. All pictures and videos aside, one cannot experience the full power of Odysseo without witnessing it live.

The music guides your emotions softening the beat of the thundering drums and hooves that drive your pulse. As each acrobat performed their jaw-dropping stunts, my heart leapt with anticipation. One could smell the gentle perfume of horses, mixed with other fun flavors of a circus show.

Our Three-Thumb Review was actually Four-Thumbs up. My 5-year old niece added new perspective to our usual tween, teen and mom-review. Though she loves and rides horses, I worried about the length of the show but she sat glued on the edge of her cousin’s lap (and intermission arrived in perfect time)!

Despite my initial prediction, the trick riders, not just the horses, amazed her. My tween and her teen brother found rare common ground loving the physicality of the acrobats, their drums and the kangaroo stilts!

I’ve already mentioned how the invitation to attend the Premiere Event for Cavalia’s Odysseo in Irvine this weekend already fulfilled my dreams! This show, and this assignment, took me on a creative journey magically stirring something awake in my soul. When I received another invitation to attend press preview day, I immediately accepted this gift.

As with many favorite childhood trips, my experience started from the freeway once I spotted the flags atop the tent. The idea that the largest touring show in the world sat on land where nothing existed a week before astounded me.

I mingled with other bloggers, press, and VIP guests. Though many were there for an assignment, most bubbled over with passion for horses, music or art.

Hah! My gear vs. their gear – I need an upgrade!

The show itself was more spectacular and high-energy than expected. The beauty of the show overwhelmed me and invigorated all of my senses. Each act flowed into the next gracefully – even the 18-ton merry-go-round!.

Even more amazing, we received behind-the-scenes access from Odysseo’s Founder, Normand Latourelle.

Odysseo’s Creator: Odyssey = Journey with O = “eau” (water) at the end of the journey

He explained that computers traditionally direct musical cues for a show of this caliber. Because this show features live animals with individual temperaments, this show’s cues come from a live director. With the timing of so many seemingly death-defying acts, timing was crucial.

The live music added a delicate veil of beauty to our experience.

Conversations with performers brave enough to leap from their career paths to follow their passion truly inspired me. One performer studied marine biology before attending circus school, another hoped to earn money while studying for the Bar exam. Some turned their professional riding into performance careers.

Most people I know dreamed of joining the circus at least once in their lives. The nomadic family lifestyle mixed with the artistic beauty and danger of a circus mystify and entrance us.

WTF: Way too fast – can’t wait to see the full-length show!

Normand pointed out what I feel represents the true beauty of the show: With the many different breeds and cultures represented here, everyone gets along. They believe that peace is best for a beautiful show. It’s been thrilling spending my hours on a “job” submersed in such creativity and such beauty.

Think back to the days when we read magical tales that filled our hearts with hope and adventure. Swift, elegant horses, dashing, brave heroes and heroines were the ingredients mixed into myriads of stories. These stories extended our world beyond our backyard. With our eyes closed, our creative imagination transported us to other worlds! Now, my kids, my niece and I have the opportunity to travel to a mystical world with our eyes open! My family and I are so excited to attend the premiere event of Cavalia Odysseo on February 6th!

You don’t have to wait – shows are open now through Feb. 26!

From the very first glimpse, this show promises to hold something unforgettably magical for everyone in my family. I grew up with horses, wholeheartedly believe in fairy tales and am the last person on this Earth who has never seen a Cirque du Soleil show. This newest and largest $30 million production of Cavalia Odysseo, created by Cirque co-founder, Normand Latourelle, promises to stimulate our senses on so many levels.

I predict that my son will be blown away by the death-defying acrobats, my niece will want to take all 65 horses home with her and my daughter will hum the tunes for weeks. I look forward to hearing their excitement over unexpected surprises that they’ll never forget.

This show is double the size of the 2007 tour boasting 48 riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers and musicians in a soulful and touching journey around the globe, showcasing at its heart, the mysterious relationship between men and horses. I’m trying to imagine the sheer size of the production as the video clearly shows a lake and mountains – all under the big white tent!

For me, it’s also dream come true to be able to share this news with you before it happens rather than say “Look what we did, wish you were there!” Wander along with us on this magical escape from our everyday lives! Visit www.cavalia.net and book your tickets now! The show premieres February 3rd with matinee and evening shows running through Valentine’s Day (what a great gift idea!). Some special pricing available.

See you in Irvine under the big white tent! What are you looking forward to the most?!